Carroll Co., AR - Biographies - Joel Plumlee

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Joel Plumlee, an influential citizen and prosperous farmer of Carroll 
County, Ark., was born in the county on May 28, 1837, and is a son of 
Joel Plumlee, Sr. The latter was born and reared in White County, 
Tenn., and was married there to Rachel Simmons, a native of South 
Carolina. who, when about fourteen years of age, removed to White 
County, Tenn. After his marriage Joel Plumlee, Sr., settled on a farm 
in Tennessee, and resided there several years, coming to Arkansas 
about 1833. He settled in Madison County, but came to Carroll County 
in 1836, and located on a farm near Berryville. He bought the land on 
which he located, and improved a farm, which he sold about 1849 and 
removed to Stone County, Mo. Three years later he returned to Carroll 
County and remained until the breaking out of the Civil War, when he 
again removed to Missouri and passed the remainder of his life, his 
death occurring in February, 1863. While a resident of Carroll County 
he served as justice of the peace for a number of years. Joel Plumlee, 
Jr., remained with his father until he was about twenty-three years of 
age. In November, 1861 he enlisted in the Federal army as a private, 
and was assigned to the Twenty-fourth Missouri Infantry. He was 
afterward promoted to corporal, and served until his term of 
enlistment [p.1069] expired, in 1864, when he was discharged at St. 
Louis. He participated in the engagement at Fort Derusia, on Red 
River, and at Pleasant Hill, La. At the last named place he received a 
gunshot wound through the left breast, which disabled him for about 
six months. He was also taken prisoner at that place, and, after a two 
months' confinement, made his escape and traveled on foot 300 hundred 
miles to rejoin his regiment. After that he was in many skirmishes, 
but was in no regular engagement. Upon receiving his discharge he 
returned to Missouri, and remained engaged in farming until 1867, when 
he returned to Carroll County, Ark. Here he located on the farm where 
he now resides, he having purchased the land prior to the war. In 
politics Mr. Plumlee has always endorsed and supported the principles 
and men of the Republican party. He served as surveyor of Carroll 
County for three years. In 1884 he was elected sheriff and collector, 
and served one term. He was married in Webster County, Mo., on 
December 25, 1864, to Mary J. Potter, a native of Drew County, Ark., 
and a daughter of Milton M. Potter, formerly from Tennessee. Their 
marriage has been blessed with eight children: Francis M., Nancy L. 
(Mrs. J. T. Fulkerson). Julia M., Elizabeth C., William M., Mary G., 
Cora V. and Lester T. Mr. Plumlee and wife are consistent Christians 
and members of the Missionary Baptist Church.